There’s no evading the dog days of summer. And when they kick in, you know it’s time to start thinking about your home’s HVAC system. Otherwise, your work might be cut out when your energy bill arrives. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. For starters, you can explore www.discountfilterstore.com for affordable filters for your AC unit.
Whether you have central air conditioning or a window unit, you can keep it humming all summer. That way, your home can stay comfortable. Meanwhile, get your home off to a great start in summer with these tips:
1. Check Your Filters
Always check your filters. Clogged or dirty filters restrict airflow. In turn, your AC unit has to work harder than necessary, which can drive up your energy bill and, in the long run, may shorten the lifespan of your unit.
What’s more, as air forces dirt and dust into the HVAC system, your home’s air quality reduces. And if some of your family members are allergic to dust, you could have a potential health issue on your hands.
Besides, the buildup of dirt can lead to unscheduled or unexpected repairs when other components break down. And if this happens in the middle of a heat wave, you’ll be sorry. So save yourself the headache and trouble by checking your filters regularly.
And while at it, ensure to replace them with more advanced 17x21x1 air filters regularly, at least once every three months. This promotes the efficient operation of your unit and helps prolong its lifespan. The wide selection of filters in the market will make it easy for you to find the right one for your unit.
2. Calibrate Your Thermostat
Ensure your thermostat is set to “cool” and your desired temperature. A higher setting will cause your unit to work harder and use more energy. In addition, turn the fan switch to “auto” rather than “on.” If it’s set to “on,” the fan will continue to blow even when the compressor is turned off. Depending on the season, this can add to your energy bill and make your home uncomfortably cold or hot.
Alternatively, upgrade to a programmable thermostat. That way, you can keep your home hotter when you’re away at work or on vacation and save on your energy bill. If you need your thermostat calibrated, do so in spring to see how well it performs before summer kicks into high gear.
3. Clear the Area Around Your Unit
Your AC unit needs to have adequate airflow to work correctly. So, ensure nothing is blocking the airflow to or around your unit. This includes removing any leaves, twigs, branches, or bushes that may have grown too close. Also, trim back trees or shrubs that may be blocking the unit.
It would help if you also cleared any debris that may have accumulated on the unit, such as dirt, dust, or pollen. This promotes efficiency and prevents potential breakdowns.
Your vents must be clear so air can flow freely throughout your home. Vacuum them regularly, and if you have furniture or other items blocking them, move them out of the way. Otherwise, blocked vents can cause your unit to work harder and use more energy. Plus, it can lead to uneven cooling in your home, which can cause discomfort and even health problems.
4. Invest in Regular Maintenance
There’s no denying that regular maintenance is a great way to save money. This means having a professional inspect and service your unit at least once a year. They can clean it, check for damage and make needed repairs.
In so doing, they can help prevent potential problems before they happen and keep minor issues from worsening and leading to costly repairs. Plus, such a move can extend the life of your unit. So, schedule regular tune-ups to keep your HVAC system in tip-top condition. After all, you wouldn’t want your unit to give up the ghost at the peak of summer.
5. Think Outside the Box
Instead of relying entirely on the HVAC system to keep your home cool, consider investing in energy-efficient accessories. For instance, you can install blackout curtains in rooms exposed to the most sunlight. That way, your HVAC system can easily maintain the temperature in your home.
Or, you can install a ceiling fan or standing fan to help circulate cool air and make your home more comfortable. Doing so can also help reduce your energy costs since you won’t have to rely as much on your HVAC system.
Along the same lines, minimize the usage of appliances known to generate a lot of heat in your home. Case in point, instead of baking in your kitchen’s oven, you can assign the job to your outside cooking source.
Using the oven increases the temperature in your home, which implies your HVAC system has to work extra hard and could push it to its limits. Also, drying your clothes on hanging lines won’t hurt – instead of depending on the dryer. Make the most of the sun. After all, it’s only for a season.
While such practices might seem overly simplistic, they’re well worth the effort. Primarily, it implies maintaining a cool home without paying through your nose. Who wouldn’t want that?
6. Upgrade Your Unit
If your HVAC unit keeps breaking down now and then, and the repair costs are mind-boggling, you might want to consider upgrading it. Still, your unit may not be doing as good a job as it once did, meaning it could be on its way out. In that case, you may have to bite the bullet.
You don’t have to contend with the cost of running an older unit, including the resulting cooling loss and waste. Instead, if possible, upgrade to an energy-efficient unit. Sure, the sticker price might be high, but the reduced cost of maintaining a newer unit can offset that in the long run. Talk to a reputable professional if you’re thinking of an upgrade to point you in the right direction.
Overall, these tips can ensure your HVAC system runs as smoothly as it should throughout the summer. And usually, it means you won’t incur high energy costs. Put them into practice to keep cool, and you can thank us later.